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Congressman Cohen’s Statement on the Passing of Hawaiian Congressman Mark Takai

July 20, 2016

[MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01):

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of my colleague Congressman Mark Takai,” said Congressman Cohen. “Mark publically discussed his pancreatic cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment at the Democratic Policy Conference in Baltimore in January. There was a very touching moment at the policy conference when Vice President Biden stepped off the stage to embrace Mark after he shared news of his diagnosis. Mark then thanked Vice President Biden for his leadership on the Cancer Moonshot initiative to find a cure for cancer. Mark continued to serve in Congress while undergoing treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Mark Takai served Hawaii and the United States of America admirably for more than 20 years as a Hawaii State Representatives and U.S. Congressman. He will be greatly missed.”